US6408911B1 - Studless pneumatic tire including block-shaped island portions each having sipes - Google Patents

Studless pneumatic tire including block-shaped island portions each having sipes Download PDF

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Publication number
US6408911B1
US6408911B1 US08/654,976 US65497696A US6408911B1 US 6408911 B1 US6408911 B1 US 6408911B1 US 65497696 A US65497696 A US 65497696A US 6408911 B1 US6408911 B1 US 6408911B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
island portion
sipe
sipes
central region
island
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US08/654,976
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English (en)
Inventor
Chishiro Tanabe
Yuji Yamaguchi
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Bridgestone Corp
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Bridgestone Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP14220495A external-priority patent/JP3576636B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP14220595A external-priority patent/JP3576637B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP7250998A external-priority patent/JPH0994828A/ja
Priority claimed from JP29710195A external-priority patent/JP3522922B2/ja
Application filed by Bridgestone Corp filed Critical Bridgestone Corp
Assigned to BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION reassignment BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TANABE, CHISHIRO, YAMAGUCHI, YUJI
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/13—Tread patterns characterised by the groove cross-section, e.g. for buttressing or preventing stone-trapping
    • B60C11/1369—Tie bars for linking block elements and bridging the groove
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D30/00—Producing pneumatic or solid tyres or parts thereof
    • B29D30/06—Pneumatic tyres or parts thereof (e.g. produced by casting, moulding, compression moulding, injection moulding, centrifugal casting)
    • B29D30/0601—Vulcanising tyres; Vulcanising presses for tyres
    • B29D30/0606—Vulcanising moulds not integral with vulcanising presses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/0041—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts comprising different tread rubber layers
    • B60C11/005—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts comprising different tread rubber layers with cap and base layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B60C11/1204—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe
    • B60C11/1218—Three-dimensional shape with regard to depth and extending direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B60C11/1259—Depth of the sipe
    • B60C11/1263—Depth of the sipe different within the same sipe
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B60C11/1272—Width of the sipe
    • B60C11/1281—Width of the sipe different within the same sipe, i.e. enlarged width portion at sipe bottom or along its length
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/13—Tread patterns characterised by the groove cross-section, e.g. for buttressing or preventing stone-trapping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D30/00—Producing pneumatic or solid tyres or parts thereof
    • B29D30/06—Pneumatic tyres or parts thereof (e.g. produced by casting, moulding, compression moulding, injection moulding, centrifugal casting)
    • B29D30/0601—Vulcanising tyres; Vulcanising presses for tyres
    • B29D30/0606—Vulcanising moulds not integral with vulcanising presses
    • B29D2030/0607—Constructional features of the moulds
    • B29D2030/0613—Means, e.g. sipes or blade-like elements, for forming narrow recesses in the tyres, e.g. cuts or incisions for winter tyres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B60C11/1204—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe
    • B60C2011/1213—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe sinusoidal or zigzag at the tread surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
    • B60C11/03—Tread patterns
    • B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
    • B60C11/1259—Depth of the sipe
    • B60C2011/1268—Depth of the sipe being different from sipe to sipe
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S152/00—Resilient tires and wheels
    • Y10S152/03—Slits in threads
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S152/00—Resilient tires and wheels
    • Y10S152/902—Non-directional tread pattern having no circumferential rib and having blocks defined by circumferential grooves and transverse grooves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a studless pneumatic tire having excellent travel performance on roads covered partly or completely by ice and/or snow (hereinafter referred to as “icy roads”).
  • icy roads ice and/or snow
  • the present invention also relates to a mold used for manufacturing through a vulcanizing molding process a pneumatic tire having a block pattern, and to a pneumatic tire manufactured using the mold.
  • the tread of a studless tire used for travel on icy roads has a plurality (3-5) of main grooves extending in the circumferential direction and a large number of lug grooves intersecting the main grooves, thereby forming block-shaped island portions between them.
  • many sipes are provided in the island portions, thereby increasing the cumulative length of edges (hereinafter referred to as the “edge component”) of the island portions.
  • JP-A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
  • 2-200503 employs laterally extending sipes each having one end terminated within the island portion (i.e., only one end of each sipe is opened to a main groove) so as to maintain the stiffness of each island portion even when the density of sipes increases.
  • each sipe even when only one end of each sipe is opened to the main groove, the stiffness of each island portion decreases undesirably if many sipes are formed so as to obtain a desired edge effect.
  • the present inventors studied in detail the stiffness of island portions having sipes, and found that when the number of sipes is increased to obtain a desired edge effect, the stiffness at the lateral end regions of each island portion decreases more than expected as compared with the central region of the island portion, and that even when the sipes are formed such that each extends from one lateral edge of its corresponding island facing one main groove to a point near the other lateral edge thereof facing another main groove, the decrease of the stiffness cannot be completely prevented.
  • the present invention has been conceived in view of the above-described drawbacks, and an object of this invention is to provide a studless pneumatic tire which maintains the stiffness of island portions even when many sipes are formed, thereby providing improved driving stability and performance of the tire on icy roads while preventing island portions from being chipped.
  • a studless pneumatic tire which has a plurality of block-shaped island portions formed on a cylindrical tread extending between a pair of sidewalls.
  • the island portions have laterally extending sipes and are separated by a plurality of main grooves extending in the circumferential direction as well as by many lug grooves.
  • the sipes include first sipes and second sipes. Each first sipe extending from a first lateral end facing a first main groove traverses a first edge region of each island portion in a substantially axial direction and reaches a first interface between the first edge region and the central region of the island portion where the first sipe branches into a plurality of branch segments, thereby forming a fork-like shape.
  • Each of these branch segments traverses the central region of the island portion and reaches a point near a second interface between a second edge region and the central region of the island portion.
  • Each second sipe extending from a second lateral end of the island facing a second main groove traverses the second edge region and extends into the central region of the island portion in the axial direction.
  • the first sipe branches into a plurality of branch segments, thereby forming a fork-like shape, at the first interface between the first edge region and the central region of the island portion, and each branch segment traverses the central region and reaches a point near the second interface between the second edge region and the central region.
  • the total projected length of the sipes in the circumferential direction increases in the central region because of the existence of the branch segments. This increases the edge component of each island portion. Further, each edge region of the island portion which is divided by the corresponding edge segment in the circumferential direction can effectively maintain the stiffness of the island portion.
  • the tip of the second sipe extending from a lateral end opposite to the lateral end from which the first sipe extends is terminated at a position such that the tip of the second sipe does not intersect the first sipe, or when the second sipe has a fork-like shape similar to that of the first sipe and the tip of the second sipe is terminated at a position such that the tips of the branch segments of the second sipe do not intersect the first sipe
  • island elements divided by the sipes continue from a portion contacting one lug groove to a portion contacting the other lug groove in a staggered manner in the central region of the island portion.
  • each edge region of the island portion is divided by the edge segment of the fork-shaped sipe only, so that a decrease i n the stiffness of the island portion can be minimized.
  • a studless pneumatic tire which has a plurality of block-shaped island portions formed on a cylindrical tread ex tending between a pair of sidewalls.
  • the island portions have laterally extending sipes and are separated by a plurality of main grooves extending in the circumferential direction as well as by many lug grooves.
  • the sipes include first sipes and second sipes. Each first sipe has an extension segment and a return segment. The extension segment of the first sipe extends from a first lateral end of the island portion facing a first main groove so as to traverse a first edge region and a central region of the island portion in the axial direction.
  • the return segment has a tip which is turned back at the interface between the central region and the second edge region or in the vicinity thereof and is terminated within the central region.
  • Each second sipe also has an extension segment and a return segment, which are the same as those of the first sipe.
  • each block-shaped island portion in the tread has hook-shaped first and second sipes which extend in opposite directions from both lateral ends facing corresponding main grooves which extend in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the central region of the island portion is divided by both the extension segment and the return segment of each sipe. In contrast, each edge region of the island portion is divided by the extension segment of the first or second sipe only. Therefore, it is possible to form a large edge component within the central region of the island portion and to maintain a desired stiffness in each edge region of the island portion. As a result, desired driving and braking performance can be obtained, especially on icy surfaces, while preventing block chipping and decrease of driving stability, which have been considered to be problems which would occur if the desired driving and braking performance is obtained.
  • the present inventors studied in detail and found that when many sipes having the above-described shapes are combined, the total projected length of portions of sipes within the central region of each island portion becomes longer than that within each edge region, so that the stiffness of the island portion within the central region thereof becomes lower than that within the edge regions. From the above, the present inventors considered that when the stiffness is increased in a region where the total projected length of the sipes is large, the overall stiffness of each island portion can be increased without decreasing the number and length of sipes.
  • the tread of a tire employs a two-layer structure consisting of a cap rubber layer and a base rubber layer so as to improve the heat generating performance of the tire.
  • the present inventors found that when the above two-layer structure is modified such that in an area in which the total projected length of portions of the sipes within that area is larger than that in the remaining areas, the ratio of the volume of hard rubber to the volume of soft rubber is larger than that in the remaining areas, the stiffness of each island portion is prevented from decreasing, and that this structure makes it possible to obtain desired driving and braking performance, especially on icy surfaces, while preventing block chipping and decrease of driving stability.
  • a third aspect of the present invention provides a studless pneumatic tire in which a plurality of block-shaped island portions each having sipes are provided on a cylindrical tread extending between a pair of annular sidewalls.
  • the tread has at least two rubber layers having different hardnesses.
  • the ratio of the volume of hard rubber relative to the volume of soft rubber is larger than those in the remaining areas.
  • each sipe examples include a straight shape, a wavy shape, a zigzag shape, a hook-like shape, and a fork-like shape. These shapes may be used singly or in combination.
  • the ratio of the volume of hard rubber relative to the volume of soft rubber is larger than those in the remaining areas. Since a decrease in the stiffness of the island portion caused by the formation of sipes can be prevented by the existence of the hard rubber, the stiffness of the block-shaped island portion can be guaranteed.
  • the hard rubber increases the stiffness of each block-shaped island portion, bending of the island portion is suppressed, thereby guaranteeing desired driving stability. Also, the island portion is prevented from chipping.
  • the studless pneumatic tire of the third aspect has a plurality of block-shaped island portions each of which has first and second sipes.
  • the first sipe extends from a first lateral end of the island portion so as to pass through a first edge region adjacent to the first lateral end in the substantially axial direction of the tire and branches into a plurality of branch segments at a first interface between the first edge region and the central region.
  • Each branch segment passes through the central region to a point in the vicinity of a second interface between the central region and a second edge region.
  • the second sipe extends from a second lateral end in a substantially axial direction so as to pass through the second edge region adjacent to the second lateral end, thereby entering the central region.
  • first and second sipes which extend from both lateral ends of each island portion in opposite directions. Therefore, the central region of each island portion is circumferentially divided into many island elements by a plurality of branch segments and the second sipe. In contrast, in each edge region, the island portion is divided into only two by the first or second sipe. Accordingly, a large edge component can be obtained in the central region of the island portion and a desired stiffness is maintained in the edge regions.
  • the studless pneumatic tire of the third aspect has the following structure.
  • Hook-shaped first and second sipes are provided.
  • Each first sipe has an extension segment and a return segment.
  • the extension segment of the first sipe extends from a first lateral end and traverses a first edge region and a central region in a substantially axial direction.
  • One end of the return segment of the first sipe is turned back at the interface between the central region and a second edge region or in the vicinity thereof, and the other end of the return segment is terminated within the central region.
  • Each second sipe also has an extension segment and a return segment.
  • the extension segment of the second sipe extends from a second lateral end of the island portion traverses the second edge region and the central region of the island portion in a substantially axial direction.
  • One end of the return segment is turned back at the interface between the central region and the first edge region or in the vicinity thereof, and the other end of the return segment is terminated within the central region.
  • first and second hook-shaped sipes which extend from both lateral ends of each island portion in opposite directions. Therefore, the central region of each island portion is circumferentially divided into many island elements by the extension segments and the return segments. In contrast, in each edge region, the island portion is divided only by the first or second sipe. Accordingly, a large edge component can be obtained in the central region of the island portion and a desired stiffness is maintained in the lateral edge regions.
  • on-ice performance in order to increase the edge component in a studless tire, thereby improving performance on icy surfaces (hereinafter referred to as “on-ice performance”), it is effective to constitute the tread portion of the tire by block-shaped island portions divided by a plurality of main grooves extending in the circumferential direction and many lug grooves extending in a direction intersecting the main grooves, and to provide many lateral sipes in each block-shaped island portion.
  • Lateral sipes are generally classified into two types, i.e., both-end open type sipes (open sipes) which completely traverse island portions, and one-end open type sipes whose first ends open to a main groove and whose second ends terminate within the island portion.
  • the former sipes have an advantage that they can increase the edge component more than the latter sipes.
  • the former sipes have a disadvantage that the wear resistance against partial wear and driving stability on dry road surfaces (hereinafter referred to as “dry driving stability”) provided by the former sipes are lower than in the case of using the latter sipes because of the decreased stiffness of each island portion.
  • the latter sipes have a disadvantage that the edge component provided by the latter sipes is smaller than in the case of using the former sipes.
  • the latter sipes have an advantage that the wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability provided by the latter sipes are higher than in the case of using the latter sipes, because the stiffness of each island portion decreases due to formation of the sipes.
  • the both-end open type sipes and the one-end open type sipes both have disadvantages, these disadvantages are insubstantial.
  • blades for forming sipes must be disposed within each depression for forming a block-shaped island portion, which is provided in a mold for vulcanizing molding, when tires having such lateral sipes are manufactured. Since the sipe-forming blades are very thin plates, the stiffness thereof is usually insufficient. Therefore, there is a possibility that the blades bend during the process of vulcanizing molding.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a mold for vulcanizing molding which can prevent bending of blades during the process of vulcanizing molding.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tire which is manufactured using the mold as set forth above and which has an excellent on-ice performance.
  • a mold for vulcanizing molding which is used for manufacturing a pneumatic tire by vulcanizing molding.
  • the tire has a block pattern having a plurality of block-shaped island portions, which are divided by main grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tire and lug grooves extending in the widthwise direction of the tire.
  • the mold has blades for forming lateral sipes, which are formed in each block-shaped island portion and extend in the widthwise direction of the tire. Each blade has at least one bent portion, and has a flask-shaped cross section at a portion corresponding to the bottom of a corresponding sipe.
  • the portion of the blade having a flask-shaped cross section and corresponding to the bottom of a corresponding sipe is divided at the bent portion of the blade.
  • a pneumatic tire manufactured by using the mold for vulcanizing molding according to the sixth or seventh embodiment.
  • the pneumatic tire according to the eighth aspect has one-end open type sipes, the first ends of which are opened to a lateral end of an island portion and the second ends of which are substantially terminated within the island portion.
  • each lateral sipe has a flask-shaped cross section.
  • each blade for forming a lateral sipe has at least one bent portion. Therefore, the stiffness of each blade is higher than a blade for forming a straight sipe. Accordingly, the blades do not bend during the process of vulcanizing molding.
  • each blade corresponding to the bottom of a lateral sipe has a flask-shaped cross section
  • the bottom of a lateral sipe formed by the blade also has a flask-shaped cross section, so that the on-ice performance of the tire can be maintained at a satisfactory level.
  • the lateral sipe has at least one bent portion so as to form a sipe having a bent shape
  • water draining performance decreases due to contact of the edge portions of the lateral sipe. Therefore, on icy road surfaces, there is a possibility that the frictional coefficient p of the tire decreases with a consequent decrease in the on-ice performance.
  • a portion of each blade corresponding to the bottom of a corresponding lateral sipe is formed to have a flask-shaped cross section, thereby making the cross section of the bottom of the correspond lateral sipe in a flask-like shape, the performance of draining water from the bottom of the sipe can be improved.
  • the frictional coefficient ⁇ on icy road surfaces can be increased to maintain excellent on-ice performance.
  • the pneumatic tire according to the eighth aspect of the present invention manufactured by using the mold for vulcanizing molding according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention can prevent bending of blades during the process of vulcanizing molding and can maintain the on-ice performance at a desired level.
  • each lateral sipe Since the bottom portion of each lateral sipe has a flask-shaped cross section, stress acting on the bottom portion can be dispersed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent generation of cracks in the bottom portion of each sipe.
  • the portion of each blade having a flask-shaped cross section and corresponding to the bottom of a sipe is divided at the bent portion or portions of the blade. This facilitates the manufacture of blades compared to the case where the portion having a flask-shaped cross section is not divided.
  • each lateral sipe of a pneumatic tire is of one-end open type in which one end of each sipe opens to one end of an island portion, and the other end thereof terminates within the island portion. Therefore, the stiffness of the island portion can be increased more than in the case where the lateral sipe is of a both-end open type, i.e., an open sipe. This enhances both wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability.
  • the tenth aspect of the present invention depending on the ninth aspect of the present invention, since not only the bottom of each blade but also one end of the blade corresponding to the inner end of a corresponding sipe has a flask-shaped cross section, generation of cracks at the other end of the lateral sipe is prevented. Therefore, generation of cracks can be prevented more effectively through the synergy between the effect of preventing cracks at the inner end of the sipe and the effect of preventing generation of cracks at the bottom portion of the sipe. Since the inner end of the hook-shaped sipe has a flask-shaped cross section, the water draining performance of the sipe at the inner end thereof can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an island portion of the tread according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of an island portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of an island portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of an island portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of an island portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of an island portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of an island portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of an island portion according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of an island portion according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view of an island portion of a first comparative tire
  • FIG. 12 is a plan view of an island portion of a second comparative tire
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of an island portion of a third comparative tire
  • FIG. 14 is a plan view of an island portion of a fourth comparative tire
  • FIG. 15 is a plan view of an island portion of a fifth comparative tire
  • FIG. 16 is a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is an enlarged plan view of an island portion of the tread according to the tenth embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view of an island portion according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a plan view of an island portion according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of an island portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a plan view of an island portion according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a plan view of an island portion according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of the studless pneumatic tire according to the sixteenth embodiment.
  • FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 24 taken along line 3 — 3 in FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 24 taken along line 4 — 4 in FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 27 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 32 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-third embodiment
  • FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 33 taken along line 12 — 12 in FIG. 33;
  • FIG. 35 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a modification of the twenty-third embodiment
  • FIG. 36 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 37 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 39 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 40 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 40 taken along line 19 — 19 in FIG. 40;
  • FIG. 42 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a modification of the twenty-eighth embodiment
  • FIG. 43 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 44 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 45 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 46 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 47 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 48 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 49 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 50 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 51 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 52 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 53 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a sixth comparative tire.
  • FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 53 taken along line 32 — 32 in FIG. 53;
  • FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 53 taken along line 33 — 33 in FIG. 53;
  • FIG. 56 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a seventh comparative tire
  • FIG. 57 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of an eighth comparative tire.
  • FIG. 58 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of an eleventh comparative tire
  • FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 58 taken along line 37—37 in FIG. 58;
  • FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 58 taken along line 38 — 38 in FIG. 58;
  • FIG. 61 is a plan view of a block-shaped island portion of a twelfth comparative tire
  • FIG. 62 is a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 63 is an enlarged plan view of a block-shaped island portion shown in FIG. 62;
  • FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of the lateral sipes shown in FIG. 63 taken in the circumferential direction of the tire;
  • FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a block-forming depression of a mold used for vulcanizing molding
  • FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a blade shown in FIG. 65;
  • FIG. 67 is a plan view of a block-shaped island of a fifteenth comparative tire, which corresponds to the plan view of FIG. 63 and is used for explaining effects of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 68 is a plan view of a block-shaped island of a sixteenth comparative tire, which corresponds to the plan view of FIG. 63 and is used for explaining effects of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 69A and 69B relate to a fortieth embodiment of the present invention in which hook-shaped sipes are formed in each block-shaped island portion, wherein FIG. 69A is a perspective view of a blade, and FIG. 69B is a plan view of the block-shaped island;
  • FIGS. 70A and 70B relate to a forty-first embodiment of the present invention in which hook-shaped sipes are formed in each block-shaped island portion, wherein FIG. 70A is a perspective view of a blade, and FIG. 70B is a plan view of the block-shaped island;
  • FIGS. 71A and 71B relate to a forty-second embodiment of the present invention in which tuning fork-shaped sipes are formed in each block-shaped island portion, wherein FIG. 71A is a perspective view of a blade, and FIG. 71B is a plan view of the block-shaped island; and
  • FIG. 72 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the blade.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an enlarged plan view of an island portion shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the studless tire according to the first embodiment has a plurality of block-shaped island portions 4 formed on a cylindrical tread 1 extending between a pair of sidewalls (not shown).
  • the island portions 4 are separated by a plurality of main grooves 2 extending in the circumferential direction as well as by many lug grooves 3 .
  • Each island portion 4 has sipes 5 extending parallel to the center axis of the tire.
  • the sipes 5 include first sipes 5 1 and second sipes 5 2
  • Each first sipe 5 1 extending from a first lateral end 6 of an island portion 4 facing a main groove 2 traverses a first edge region 7 of the island portion 4 in a direction substantially parallel to the center axis of the tire (hereinafter simply referred to as “the axial direction”) and reaches a first interface between the first edge region 7 and the central region 8 of the island portion 4 where the first sipe 5 1 branches into two branch segments 12 , thereby forming a fork-like shape.
  • Each of these branch segments 12 traverses the central region 8 of the island 4 and reaches a point near a second interface between an opposite second edge region 7 and the central region 8 of the island portion 4 .
  • Each second sipe 5 2 extending from a second lateral end 9 of the island portion 4 facing another main groove 2 traverses the second edge region 7 and extends into the central region 8 of the island portion 4 in the axial direction.
  • These first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 divide the central region 8 of each island portion 4 in a larger number of island elements compared to the edge regions 7 thereof.
  • the tire according to the present embodiment may have a reinforced structure.
  • a radial carcass of a single or a few plies is disposed between a pair of sidewalls.
  • textile cords such as polyester cords or rayon cords are disposed such that they intersect the equatorial plane of the tire at substantially right angles.
  • a belt structure is disposed radially outward of the radial carcass at the crown portion thereof.
  • the belt structure comprises a plurality (usually two) of plies each of which comprises non-extensible cords such as steel cords oriented obliquely at a small angle with respect to the equatorial plane and which are superposed such that their cords intersect one another.
  • an auxiliary ply is formed around them by circumferentially and spirally winding a strip around them.
  • the strip comprises a plurality of heat-shrinkage textile cords such as nylon cords disposed therein and rubberized.
  • an edge segment 11 of the fork-shaped first sipe 5 1 which axially extents within the first edge region 7 , branches into two branch segments 12 extending in two opposite circumferential directions at the interface between the first edge region 7 and the central region 8 .
  • Each of the branch segments 12 bends at a point P so as to run in the axial direction and then passes through the central region 8 , thereby reaching the interface between the central region 8 and the second edge region 7 .
  • the second sipe 5 2 extending from the opposite lateral end 9 of the island portion 4 facing another main groove 2 passes through the second edge region 7 and enters the central region 8 , in which it runs between the branch segments 12 of the first sipe 5 1 and terminates in the vicinity of the interface between the central region 8 and the first edge region 7 .
  • each of the edge regions 7 of the island portion 4 is divided into two island elements 10 each having a substantially equal circumferential length, while the central region 8 of the island portion 7 is divided into four island elements 10 each having a substantially equal circumferential length.
  • the number of branches from the edge segment 11 of the fork-shaped first sipe 5 1 may be increased to three or more, insofar as the purpose thereof is achieved. Therefore, equally spaced parallel branch segments can be formed in the central region 8 so as to divide the island portion 4 into a larger number of island elements.
  • Reference numeral 13 in FIG. 1 denotes a platform formed by raising a portion of the bottom of each lug groove 3 such that the platform corresponds to the central region 8 of the island portion 4 .
  • this platform 13 is provided, the circumferential stiffness of the island portion 4 within the central region 8 can be increased around the position corresponding to the platform 13 .
  • the width W S of each edge region 7 of each island portion 4 be ⁇ fraction (1/9) ⁇ -1 ⁇ 3 of the entire width of the island portion 4 , and that the width W C of the central region 8 therefore be ⁇ fraction ( 1 / 3 ) ⁇ - ⁇ fraction ( 7 / 9 ) ⁇ of the entire width of the island portion 4 .
  • Each branch segment 12 of the fork-shaped first sipe 5 1 may be curved at point P, without being bent at right angles, so as to change its extending direction in the axial direction and enter the central region 8 .
  • the shapes of the sipes 5 are not limited to the straight shapes shown in FIGS. 1-3, and they may have zigzag shapes or wavy shapes.
  • each of them may be extended to the second lateral end 9 while traversing the second edge region 7 without stopping its extension at the interface between the central region 8 and the second edge region 7 . In this case, the depth of each sipe is reduced.
  • FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • each first sipe 5 1 has a slant portion between the edge segment 11 and the bend point P of each branch segment 12 .
  • the island portion 4 is divided into three island elements 10 in the edge regions 7 and seven island elements 10 in the central region 8 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • a single pair of a modified first sipe 5 1 and a straight second sipe 5 2 used in the previous embodiment is provided, and an additional sipe 14 is provided on each of the front and rear sides of the paired sipes 5 1 and 5 2 in the rotational direction of the tire.
  • Each additional sipe 14 bends in the vicinity of the interface between the edge region 7 and the central region 8 and extends in the axial direction.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into six island elements 10 in the central region 8 , two island elements 10 in the first edge region 7 , and four island elements 10 in the second edge region 7 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the second sipe 5 2 has a fork-like shape similar to that of the first sipe 5 1 .
  • the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 are oriented in opposite directions such that the tips of the branch segments 12 of each sipe are located in the vicinity of the corresponding interface between the central region 8 and the corresponding edge region 7 , thereby preventing the tips of the branch segments 12 from intersecting the other sipe.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into two island elements in the edge regions 7 and five island elements in the central region 8 .
  • the fork-shaped second sipe may have three or more branch segments as in the case of the above-described first sipe.
  • FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • fork-shaped modified sipes used in the second embodiment are used as the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 and are combined in a manner similar to that in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 5 ).
  • a bent additional sipe 14 is provided on the front and rear sides of the paired sipes 5 1 and 5 2 in the rotational direction of the tire.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into three island elements in the edge regions 7 and seven island elements in the central region 8 .
  • FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • fork-shaped modified sipes are used as the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 and are disposed side by side such that they are oriented in opposite directions.
  • a bent additional sipe 14 is provided on the front and rear sides of the paired sipes 5 1 and 5 2 in the rotational direction of the tire.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into three island elements in the edge regions 7 and seven island elements in the central region 8 .
  • FIG. 8 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • h-shaped sipes are used as the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 and are disposed side by side such that they are oriented in opposite directions.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into two island elements in the edge regions 7 and five island elements in the central region 8 .
  • FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an island portion according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • h-shaped modified sipes are used as the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 They are formed from the right and left lateral ends 6 and 9 such that they are partly joined or integrated.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into two island elements in the edge regions 7 and four island elements in the central region 8 .
  • FIG. 10 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • h-shaped modified sipes are used as the first and second sipes 5 1 and 5 2 They are formed from the right and left lateral ends 6 and 9 such that they are partly joined or integrated.
  • the island portion 4 is divided into two island elements in the edge regions 7 and four island elements in the central region 8 .
  • Test 1 Radial tires having a size of 11R22.5 for trucks and buses were tested to evaluate braking performance on icy surfaces and block chipping.
  • Test 2 Radial tires having a size of 185/70R13 for passenger cars were tested to evaluate braking performance on icy surfaces and driving stability.
  • each edge region 7 of the island portion was divided into two island elements, and the central region 8 thereof was divided into three island elements each having an identical length.
  • three straight sipes 5 were formed in a staggered manner such that their tips were terminated at the respective interfaces between the central region 8 and the edge regions 7 , as shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the island portion was divided into two island elements in one edge region 7 , into three island elements in the other edge region 7 , and into four island elements in the central region 8 .
  • each main groove had a depth of 20 mm
  • each lug groove had a depth of 15 mm
  • each island portion had a length of 23 mm and a width of 30 mm
  • each sipe had a width of 0.5 mm and a depth of 10 mm.
  • the width W C of the center region of each island portion was 18 mm
  • the width W S of each edge region of each island portion was 6 mm.
  • each edge region 7 of the island portion was divided into three island elements, and the central region 8 thereof was divided into five island elements each having an identical length.
  • the island portion of the fifth comparative tire six straight sipes 5 were formed in a staggered manner such that their tips were terminated at the respective interfaces between the central region 8 and the edge regions 7 , as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the island portion was divided into four island elements in each edge region 7 , and was equally divided into seven island elements in the central region 8 .
  • each main groove and each lug groove both had a depth of 10 mm
  • each island portion had a length of 25 mm and a width of 20 mm
  • each sipe had a width of 0.3 mm and a depth of 7 mm.
  • the width W C of the center region of each island portion was 12 mm
  • the width W S of each edge region of each island portion was 4 mm.
  • Each of the tires for trucks and buses was attached to a rim of 22.5 ⁇ 7.50, and air was charged to obtain an internal pressure of 7.0 Kgf/Cm 2 .
  • Braking operation was performed (to a locked state) while a vehicle was traveling on a test course of an icy surface at a speed of 20 Km/H in a loaded state. The distance from a point where braking was started to a point where the vehicle completely stopped was measured.
  • the test for block chipping was performed by driving the vehicle on an asphalt-paved road at an average speed of 60 Km/H over a distance of 20,000 Km and checking the degree of block chipping after the travel.
  • Each of the tires for passenger cars was attached to a 13 ⁇ fraction (51/2) ⁇ J rim, and air was charged so as to obtain an internal pressure of 1.9 Kgf/Cm 2 .
  • a braking test on an icy surface was performed in the same manner as for the tires for trucks and buses (initial speed: 20 Km/H).
  • the test for driving stability was performed by traveling a vehicle on an asphalt-paved road at speeds of 50-120 km/H so as to simulate travel on ordinary roads and on highways, and the driving stability was evaluated based on a drive feeling that a driver sensed. The results of the test are shown in Table 2.
  • each of the block-shaped island portions has first and second sipes.
  • Each first sipe extends from a first lateral end facing a first main groove and traverses a first edge region in a substantially axial direction so as to reach a first interface between the first edge region and the central region of the island portion where the first sipe branches into two branch segments, thereby forming a fork-like shape.
  • Each of these branch segments traverses the central region of the island portion and reaches a point near a second interface between an opposite second edge region and the central region of the island portion.
  • Each second sipe extends from a second lateral end of the island portion facing a second main groove and traverses the second edge region so as to extend into the central region of the island portion in the axial direction.
  • the central region of each island portion is circumferentially divided into a larger number of island elements compared to the edge regions thereof. Therefore, even when the edge component within each island portion is increased, the stiffness of each island portion can be maintained. This enhances the on-ice performance of the tire while preventing block chipping and decrease of driving stability, which have been considered to be problems which would occur if the edge component is increased.
  • FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the tread of a studless pneumatic tire according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 17 shows an enlarged plan view of an island portion shown in FIG. 16 .
  • the studless tire according to the tenth embodiment has a plurality of block-shaped island portions 4 formed on a cylindrical tread 1 extending between a pair of sidewalls (not shown).
  • the island portions 4 are separated by a plurality of main grooves 2 extending in the circumferential direction as well as by many lug grooves 3 .
  • Each island portion 4 has sipes 5 extending parallel to the center axis of the tire.
  • the sipes 5 include hook-shaped first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 .
  • Each first sipe 15 1 has an extension segment 19 and a return segment 20 .
  • the extension segment 19 of the first sipe 15 1 extends from a first lateral end 6 of the island portion 4 facing a main groove 2 so as to traverse a first edge region 7 and a central region 8 of the island portion 4 in the axial direction.
  • One end of the return segment 20 of the first sipe 15 1 is turned back at the interface between the central region 8 and a second edge region 7 or in the vicinity thereof, and the other end of the return segment 20 is terminated within the central region 8 .
  • Each second sipe 15 2 also has an extension segment 19 and a return segment 20 .
  • the extension segment 19 of the second sipe 15 2 extends from a second lateral end 21 of the island portion 4 facing another main groove 2 so as to traverse the second edge region 7 and the central region 8 of the island portion 4 in the axial direction.
  • One of the return segment 20 of the second sipe 15 2 is turned back at the interface between the central region 8 and the first edge region 7 or in the vicinity thereof, and the other end of the return segment 20 is terminated within the central region 8 .
  • These first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 divide the central region 8 of each island portion 4 in a larger number of island portions compared to the edge regions 7 thereof.
  • the tire according to the present embodiment may have a reinforced structure.
  • a radial carcass of a single or a few plies is disposed between a pair of sidewalls.
  • textile cords such as polyester cords or rayon cords are disposed such that they intersect the equatorial plane of the tire at substantially right angles.
  • a belt structure is disposed radially outward of the radial carcass at the crown portion thereof.
  • the belt structure comprises a plurality (usually two) of plies each of which comprises non-extensible cords such as steel cords oriented obliquely at a small angle with respect to the equatorial plane and which are superposed such that their cords intersect one another.
  • an auxiliary ply is formed around them by circumferentially and spirally winding a strip.
  • the strip comprises a plurality of heat- shrinkage textile cords such as nylon cords disposed therein and rubberized.
  • the extension segments 19 of the hook-shaped first and second sipes 151 and 15 2 extending from the opposite lateral ends 6 and 21 are formed side by side so as to extend parallel to each other, passing through the corresponding edge regions 7 and the central region 8 of the island portion 4 in the axial direction.
  • the tips of the respective extension segments 19 are directed in opposite circumferential directions at the respective interfaces between the central region 8 and the edge regions 7 and are then directed in the axial direction, thereby forming the return segments 20 .
  • the return segments 20 extend parallel to the extension segments 19 so as to reach corresponding points near the interfaces between the central region 8 and the edge regions 7 .
  • each of the edge regions 7 of the island portion 4 is divided into two, while the central region 8 of the island portion 7 is divided into five island elements 22 each having a substantially equal circumferential length.
  • Reference numeral 13 in FIG. 16 denotes a platform formed by raising a portion of the bottom of each lug groove 3 such that the platform 13 corresponds to the central region 8 of the island portion 4 .
  • this platform 13 is provided, the circumferential stiffness of the island portion 4 with in the central region 8 can be increased a round the position corresponding to the platform 13 .
  • the width W S of each of the edge regions 7 of each island portion 4 be ⁇ fraction (1/9) ⁇ -1 ⁇ 3 of the entire width of the island portion 4 , and that the width W C of the central region 8 therefore be 1 ⁇ 3- ⁇ fraction (7/9) ⁇ of the entire width of the island portion 4 .
  • Each of the hook-shaped sipes may be curved at points P and Q without being bent at right angles, so as to change its extending direction in the axial direction and enter the central region 8 .
  • the shapes of the sipes 5 are not limited to the straight shapes shown in FIGS. 16-17, and they may have zigzag shapes or wavy shapes.
  • each of them may be extended to the other lateral end 6 or 21 while traversing the corresponding edge region 7 without stopping its extension at the interface between the central region 8 and the edge region 7 . In this case, the depth of the tip portion of each return segment is reduced.
  • FIG. 18 shows a plan view of an island portion according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • two pairs of hook-shaped first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 are provided so as to divide each edge region 7 into three and divide the central region 8 into eight island elements 22 each having a substantially equal length.
  • the return segments 20 of the first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 located at the center of the island portion in the circumferential direction exist on a common line, while forming a small space S between the tips thereof.
  • the first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 in each pair are turned back at the interfaces between the central region and the edge regions. However, they may be turned back at positions offset from the interfaces in the axial direction.
  • FIG. 19 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
  • an additional sipe 24 is provided which traverses the island portion 4 at a circumferentially central position thereof, and a pair of first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 are provided on each side of the additional sipe 24 in the circumferential direction.
  • each edge region 7 is divided into four, and the central region 8 is divided into ten island elements 22 each having a substantially equal length.
  • FIG. 20 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • an additional sipe 24 is provided which extends from the first lateral end 6 of the island portion 4 in the axial direction so as to pass through the first edge region 7 , thereby reaching the interface between the central region 8 and the second edge region 7 .
  • a pair of modified first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 are provided on each side of the additional sipe 24 in the circumferential direction. The tips of the return segments 20 of the modified sipes 15 1 and 15 2 extend only to the center of the island portion 4 in the axial direction.
  • one of the edge regions 7 is divided into three, the other of the edge regions 7 is divided into four, and the central region 8 is divided into ten long and short island elements 22 .
  • FIG. 21 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • a pair of modified first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 are used.
  • the extension segment 19 of each sipe starting from one lateral end 6 or 21 , is extended obliquely to the interface between one edge region 7 and the central region 8 , and then extended in the axial direction within the central region to a point in the vicinity of the other edge region 7 .
  • the extension segment 19 is again extended obliquely to a point Q on the other interface between the central region 8 and the other edge region 7 , and then bent so as to form a return segment 20 running in the axial direction.
  • each edge regions 7 is divided into two, in the circumferential direction
  • the central region 8 is divided into four in the circumferential direction.
  • a space S is formed between the tip ends of the return segments 20 .
  • FIG. 22 shows a plan view of an island portion according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • modified first and second sipes 15 1 and 15 2 are used.
  • the extension segment 19 of each sipe is extended from one lateral end 6 or 21 in the axial direction to the interface between one edge region 7 and the central region 8 , and then extended obliquely toward a lug groove adjacent to the island portion 4 .
  • the extension segment 19 is then bent so as to axially pass through the central region 8 to a point P on the other interface between the central region 8 and the other edge region 7 , and then bent inward so as to form a relatively short slanted return segment 20 .
  • each edge regions 7 is divided into two in the circumferential direction.
  • the central region 8 is divided into four in areas where the return segments 20 are present, and divided into three in an area where an axial space S is left.
  • the modified sipes of the present embodiment may be formed such that each straightly extends from the corresponding lateral end 6 or 21 to the point P.
  • Test 1 Radial tires having a size of 11R22.5 for trucks and buses were tested to evaluate braking performance on icy surfaces and block chipping.
  • Test 2 Radial tires having a size of 185/70R13 for passenger cars were tested to evaluate braking performance on icy surfaces and driving stability.
  • each main groove had a depth of 20 mm
  • each lug groove had a depth of 15 mm
  • each island portion had a length of 23 mm and a width of 30 mm
  • each sipe had a width of 0.5 mm and a depth of 10 mm.
  • the width W C of the center region of each island portion was 18 mm
  • the width W S of each edge region of each island portion was 6 mm.
  • each main groove and each lug groove both had a depth of 10 mm
  • each island portion had a length of 25 mm and a width of 20 mm
  • each sipe had a width of 0.3 mm and a depth of 7 mm.
  • the width W C of the center region of each island portion was 12 mm
  • the width W S of each edge region of each island portion was 4 mm.
  • each of the tires for trucks and buses was attached to a rim of 22.5 ⁇ 7.50, and air was charged to obtain an internal pressure of 7.0 Kgf/Cm 2 .
  • Braking operation was performed (to a locked state) while a vehicle was traveling on a test course of an icy surface at a speed of 20 Km/H in a loaded state. The distance from a point where braking was started to a point where the vehicle completely stopped was measured.
  • the test for block chipping was performed by driving the vehicle on an asphalt-paved road at an average speed of 60 Km/H over a distance of 20,000 Km and checking the degree of block chipping after the travel.
  • each of the tires for passenger cars was attached to a 13 ⁇ 51 ⁇ 2J rim, and air was charged so as to obtain an internal pressure of 1.9 Kgf/Cm 2 .
  • a braking test on icy surfaces was performed in the same manner as for the tires for trucks and buses (initial speed: 20 Km/H).
  • the test for driving stability was performed by driving a vehicle on an asphalt-paved road at speeds of 50-120 km/H so as to simulate travel on ordinary roads and on highways, and the driving stability was evaluated based on a drive feeling that a driver sensed. The results of the test are shown in Table 4.
  • each of the block-shaped island portions has first and second sipes.
  • Each first sipe has an extension segment and a return segment.
  • the extension segment of the first sipe extends from a first lateral end of the island portion facing a first main groove to traverse a first edge region and a central region of the island portion in the axial direction.
  • the tip of the extension segment is turned back at the interface between the central region and the second edge region or in the vicinity thereof, thereby forming the return segment of the first sipe.
  • the return segment is terminated within the central region.
  • Each second sipe also has an extension segment and a return segment.
  • the extension segment of the second sipe extends from a second lateral end of the island portion facing a second main groove traverses the second edge region and the central region of the island portion in the axial direction.
  • the tip of the extension segment is turned back at the interface between the central region and the first edge region or in the vicinity thereof, thereby forming the return segment of the second sipe.
  • the return segment is terminated within the central region.
  • the studless pneumatic tire according to the present embodiment is used for trucks and buses, and has the following skeletal structure, for example.
  • a radial carcass of a single or a few plies is disposed between a pair of sidewalls.
  • steel cords are disposed such that they intersect the equatorial plane of the tire at substantially right angles.
  • a plurality (usually four) of plies are disposed radially outward of the radial carcass at the crown portion thereof.
  • Each ply comprises non-extensible cords such as steel cords oriented obliquely at a small angle with respect to the equatorial plane and which are superposed such that their cords intersect one another.
  • the radial carcass extends between a pair of bead cores to form a toroidal shape.
  • a tread is disposed radially outward of the belt ply of the tire.
  • the studless pneumatic tire according to the present embodiment has a plurality of block-shaped island portions 118 formed on a cylindrical tread 112 extending between a pair of sidewalls (not shown).
  • the island portions 118 are separated by a plurality of main grooves 114 extending in the circumferential direction as well as by a plurality of lug grooves 116 .
  • Each island portion 118 has a first sipe 120 and a second sipe 121 , as shown in FIG. 24 .
  • the first sipe 120 has an edge segment 120 A and a pair of branch segments 120 B.
  • the edge segment 120 A extends in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) from a first lateral end 118 A facing a first main groove 114 , toward a second main groove 114 so as to reach an interface between a first edge region 124 and the central region 122 of the island portion 118 , where the edge segment 120 A branches into opposite circumferential directions (indicated by arrow B) of the tire to form the pair of branch segments 120 B.
  • Each of these branch segments 120 B bends at a point P so as to run in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and then passes through the central region 122 , thereby reaching the interface between the central region 122 and a second edge region 124 .
  • the second sipe 121 extending from a second lateral end 118 B facing the second main groove 114 extends toward the first main groove 114 in the axial direction, and terminates at a position offset leftward from the center of the central region 122 , as shown in FIG. 24 .
  • the depths of the first and second sipes 120 and 121 are smaller than those of the main grooves 114 .
  • each edge region 124 of the island portion 118 is divided into two island elements 124 A each having a substantially equal circumferential length, while the central region 122 of the island portion 118 is divided into four island elements 122 A each having a substantially equal circumferential length.
  • the width in the axial direction W S of each edge region of each island portion 118 be ⁇ fraction (1/9) ⁇ -1 ⁇ 3 of the entire width in the axial direction W of the island portion 118 , and that the width in the axial direction W C of the central region 8 therefore be 1 ⁇ 3- ⁇ fraction (7/9) ⁇ of the entire width in the axial direction W of the island portion 118 .
  • the tread 112 in the tire of the present embodiment has a cap/base structure, in which the tread 112 consists of a base layer 126 and a cap layer 130 .
  • the hardness of the rubber of the base layer 126 is set to be higher than that of the rubber of the cap layer 130 .
  • the cross-sectional shape of the base layer 126 is determined such that the volume ratio of the hard rubber for the base layer 126 varies depending on positions. In an area in which the total projected length of portions of the sipes within that area is larger than that in the remaining areas, the volume ratio of the hard rubber for the base layer 126 is larger than that in the remaining areas.
  • the hard rubber of the base layer 126 invades into the cap layer 130 in the central region of the block-shaped island portion 118 , thereby increasing the volume ratio of the hard rubber in the central region.
  • the rubber of the cap layer 130 has a hardness of 60°
  • the rubber of the base layer 126 has a hardness of 65° (JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), Spring Hardness (Type A)).
  • the stiffness of the block-shaped island portion 118 is maintained, because the volume ratio of the hard rubber for the base layer 126 is increased in the central region 122 so as to compensate decrease of the stiffness of the island in the central region 122 . Therefore, block chipping is prevented from occurring in heavy duty tires, such as tires for trucks and buses. In tires for passenger cars, island elements divided by sipes are prevented from bending while cornering, thereby guaranteeing driving stability.
  • the rubber of the base layer 126 softer than the rubber of the cap layer 130 .
  • the volume ratio of the rubber of the cap layer 130 is made higher than that of the rubber of the base layer 126 .
  • FIG. 27 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 27 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • each branch segment 120 B bends at right angles at point P to run in the axial direction
  • each branch segment 120 B curves so as to extend into the central region 122 , as shown in FIG. 27 .
  • FIG. 28 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 28 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • each sipe has a straight shape
  • each sipe has a rounded wavy shape, as shown in FIG. 28 .
  • FIG. 29 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 29 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipe 140 which is provided at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire such that it extends from a first lateral end 118 A toward a second lateral end 118 B in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A), and a pair of L-shaped sipes 142 which are connected to the sipe 140 and oriented in opposite directions.
  • Each of the sipes 142 extends from the sipe 140 along the interface between the first edge region 124 and the central region 122 in the circumferential direction of the tire, and bends at a point P so as to extend toward the second edge region 124 in the axial direction of the tire, passing through the central region 122 .
  • FIG. 30 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 30 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipe 144 which is composed of a straight segment 144 A and an L-shaped segment 144 B.
  • the straight segment 144 A extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and terminates at the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the L-shaped segment 144 B extends from the straight segment 144 A along the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 in the circumferential direction of the tire, and bends at a point P so as to extend in the axial direction of the tire to the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • a sipe 146 having the same configuration is provided such that it is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 144 .
  • a platform 148 is provided, which is formed by raising a portion of the bottom of a corresponding lug groove 116 such that the platform faces to the central region 122 .
  • the platforms 148 the circumferential stiffness of the island portion 118 within the central region 122 can be increased around portions connected to the platforms 148 .
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has sipes 150 and 152 each having the same configuration as that of the sipe 120 used in the sixteenth embodiment.
  • the sipes 150 and 152 are oriented in opposite directions.
  • One of the branch segments 150 B of the sipe 150 and one of the branch segments 152 B of the sipe 152 terminate at respective points near the interfaces between the edge regions 124 and the central regions 122 so as to prevent each of the sipes 150 and 152 from intersecting the other sipe.
  • each edge region 124 is divided into two island elements and the center region 122 is divided into five island elements.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a straight sipe 140 similar to that used in the nineteenth embodiment (see FIG. 29 ), and a sipe 154 modified from the sipe 142 used in the nineteenth embodiment.
  • the sipe 154 obliquely extends at an angle smaller than 90° over a predetermined distance from a point on the interface between the first edge region 124 and the central region 122 , and then bends at a point P so as to extend toward the second edge region 124 in the axial direction while traversing the central region 122 .
  • Each platform 148 is provided at a position facing the bent portion of the corresponding sipe 154 .
  • FIGS. 33 and 34 Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 is provided with a straight sipe 120 having branch segments 120 B which extend to the second lateral end 118 B.
  • the depth of the sipe 120 according to the present embodiment is not constant but is decreased in a predetermined region corresponding to one end of the branch segment 120 B adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B, as shown in FIG. 34 .
  • the sipe 120 may be formed such that its depth gradually decreases toward the second lateral end 118 B, as shown in FIG. 35 .
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has hook-shaped sipes 156 and 158 .
  • the sipe 156 consists of segments 156 A, 156 B and 156 C.
  • the segment 156 A extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B of the bock-shaped island portion 118 in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and terminates at the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 156 B extends from the tip of the segment 156 A in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the segment 156 C extends from the tip of the segment 156 B in the direction parallel to the segment 156 A toward the first edge region 124 .
  • the sipe 158 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 156 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 156 .
  • each edge region 124 of the block-shaped island portion 118 is divided into two in the circumferential direction of the tire, and the central region 122 thereof is divided into five island elements each having a substantially equal length in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has hook-shaped sipes 162 and 164 .
  • the sipe 162 consists of segments 162 A, 162 B and 162 C.
  • the segment 162 A extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B of the bock-shaped island portion 118 in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and terminates at the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 162 B has an arcuate shape and extends from the tip of the segment 162 A.
  • the segment 162 C extends from the tip of the segment 162 B in the direction parallel to the segment 156 A toward the first edge region 124 and terminates at the center of the island portion 118 in the axial direction of the tire.
  • the sipe 164 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 162 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 162 .
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has hook-shaped sipes 166 and 168 .
  • the sipe 166 consists of segments 166 A, 166 B, 166 C and 166 D.
  • the segment 166 A obliquely extends from the first end 118 A to a point on the interface between the first edge region 124 and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 166 B extends from the tip of the segment 166 A to the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B.
  • the segment 166 C obliquely extends parallel to the segment 166 A from the tip of the segment 166 B to a point on the interface between the second edge region 124 and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 166 D extends from the tip of the segment 166 C over a predetermined distance toward the first edge region 124 .
  • the sipe 168 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 166 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 166 .
  • a space S is provided between the tip of the segment 166 D of the sipe 166 and the tip of the segment 168 D of the sipe 168 .
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 is a modification of the twenty-sixth embodiment.
  • a platform 148 is provided on each side of the block-shaped island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire such that the platform 148 faces an edge region 124 .
  • FIGS. 40-42 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 40-42. Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 As shown in FIG. 40, a block-shaped island portion 118 according to the present embodiment has sipes 171 and 172 .
  • the sipe 172 consists of segments 172 A, 172 B and 172 C.
  • the segment 172 A extends from the first lateral end 118 A to the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 172 B extends from the tip of the segment 172 B in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the segment 172 C extends from the tip of the segment 172 B to the first lateral end 118 A.
  • These segments 172 A, 172 B and 17 C form a generally C-shaped shape.
  • the sipe 172 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 170 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 170 .
  • each edge region 124 of the block-shaped island portion 118 is divided into three in the circumferential direction of the tire, and the central region 122 thereof is divided into five island elements each having a substantially equal length in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the depth of the sipe 170 is not constant but is decreased in a predetermined region corresponding to the end of the sipe 170 located near the center in the circumferential direction of the tire, as shown in FIG. 41 .
  • the depth of the sipe 172 is also decreased in a predetermined region corresponding to the end of the sipe 172 located near the center in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the sipes 170 and 172 may be formed such that their depths gradually decrease toward the second lateral end 118 B, as shown in FIG. 42 .
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 As shown in FIG. 43, a block-shaped island portion 118 according to the present embodiment has sipes 174 , 176 , 178 and 180 which are separated from one another in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the sipe 174 consists of a segment 174 A which obliquely extends from the second end 118 B to a point on the interface between the second edge region 124 and the central region 122 , and a segment 174 B which axially extends from the tip of the segment 174 to the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 .
  • the sipe 180 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 174 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 174 .
  • the sipe 176 consists of a short segment 176 A which extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B in the axial direction of the tire, a pair of second segments 176 B each of which obliquely extends from the tip of the short segment 176 A to a point in the vicinity of the interface between the first edge region 124 and the central region 122 , and a pair of segments 176 C each of which axially extends from the tip of the corresponding segment 176 B to the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the sipe 178 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 176 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 176 .
  • each edge region 124 of the block-shaped island portion 118 is divided into three in the circumferential direction of the tire, and the central region 122 thereof is divided into seven island elements in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has sipes 182 , 184 , 186 and 188 .
  • the sipe 186 consists of a short segment 186 A which extends from the second lateral end 118 B toward the first lateral end 118 A in the axial direction of the tire, a pair of second segments 186 B which obliquely extends from the tip of the short segment 186 A such that the space therebetween gradually increases, and a pair of segments 186 C each of which axially extends from the tip of the corresponding segment 186 B to the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 .
  • the sipe 186 is disposed at the center of the block-shaped island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the sipe 184 is also disposed at the center of the block-shaped island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire. This sipe 184 straightly extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B in the axial direction of the tire, and terminates before reaching the sipe 186 A.
  • the sipe 182 is disposed on one side of the sipe 186 in the circumferential direction of the tire, and the sipe 188 is disposed on the opposite side of the sipe 186 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the sipe 182 straightly extends from the second lateral end 118 B to the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 .
  • the sipe 188 straightly extends from the first lateral end 118 A to the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • FIG. 45 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 45 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 according to t he present embodiment is a modification of the above-described thirtieth embodiment.
  • sipes 184 and 186 similar to those used in the thirtieth embodiment are formed.
  • a sipe 180 which is similar to that used in the twenty-ninth embodiment is disposed on one side of the sipe 186 in the circumferential direction of the tire, and a sipe 190 which is a mirror image of the sipe 180 is disposed on the opposite side of the sipe 186 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • FIG. 46 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 46 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 according to the thirty-second embodiment has a sipe 186 which is similar to that used in the above-described thirtieth embodiment and which is formed at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction thereof. Also, a sipe 192 having the same configuration as that of the sipe 186 is formed such that it is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 186 . The sipes 192 and 186 are disposed offset from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the tire, thereby preventing them from interfering.
  • platforms 148 are provided at positions where they face the central region 122 .
  • FIG. 47 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 47 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipes 192 and 186 which are similar to those used in the above-described thirty-second embodiment. Also, a sipe 184 similar to that used in the above-described thirtieth embodiment is formed, and a sipe 194 having the same configuration as that of the sipe 184 is formed such that it is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 184 .
  • the sipes 192 and 186 are disposed offset from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the tire, the sipe 184 is disposed between the segments 186 C of the sipe 186 , and the sipe 194 is disposed between the segments 192 C of the sipe 192 .
  • platforms 148 are provided at positions where they face the central region 122 .
  • FIG. 48 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 48 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 according to the thirty-fourth embodiment has a sipes 176 and 178 which are similar to those used in the above-described twenty-ninth embodiment. Also, sipes 182 and 188 similar to those used in the above-described thirtieth embodiment are formed.
  • FIG. 49 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 49 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has hook-shaped sipes 196 , 198 , 200 and 202 .
  • the sipe 196 consists of segments 196 A, 196 B and 196 C.
  • the segment 196 A extends from the second lateral end 118 B toward the first lateral end 118 A of the bock-shaped island portion 118 in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and terminates at the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 196 B extends from the tip of the segment 196 A in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the segment 196 C extends from the tip of the segment 196 B in the direction parallel to the segment 196 A toward the second lateral end 118 B.
  • the sipe 202 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 196 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 196 .
  • the segment 198 A extends from the first lateral end 118 A toward the second lateral end 118 B of the bock-shaped island portion 118 in the axial direction (indicated by arrow A) and terminates at the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the segment 198 B extends from the tip of the segment 198 A in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • the segment 198 C extends from the tip of the segment 198 B in the direction parallel to the segment 198 A toward the first lateral end 118 A.
  • the sipe 200 has the same configuration as that of the sipe 198 and is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 198 .
  • FIG. 50 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 50 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipes 140 which is similar to that used in the above-described nineteenth embodiment and which is formed at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • Hook-shaped sipes 162 and 164 similar to those used in the above-described twenty-fifth embodiment are formed on each side of the sipe 140 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • FIG. 51 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 51 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipes 140 which is similar to that used in the above-described nineteenth embodiment and which is formed at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • Hook-shaped sipes 156 and 158 similar to those used in the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment are formed on each side of the sipe 140 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • platforms 148 are provided at positions where they face the central region 122 .
  • FIG. 52 a studless pneumatic tire for trucks and buses according to the thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 52 . Portions identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and a description therefor will be omitted.
  • a block-shaped island portion 118 has a sipes 184 which is similar to that used in the above-described thirtieth embodiment and which is formed at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire.
  • sipes 204 and 206 On one side of the sipe 184 in the circumferential direction of the tire, hook-shaped sipes 204 and 206 having shapes similar to those of the sipes 156 and 158 used in the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment are formed. On the other side of the sipe 184 , sipes 208 and 210 are disposed which have the same configurations as those of the sipes 204 and 206 and are oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the sipe 204 and 206 , respectively.
  • Tips of sipes 204 , 206 , 208 , 210 are terminated at the central portion of the block-shaped island portion 118 in the axial direction of the tire.
  • an on-ice braking test, a wet performance test, and a driving stability test were performed using two kinds of tires for passenger cars to which the above-described embodiments were applied and four kinds of comparative tires for passenger cars. All the tires had a size of 185/70R13.
  • On-ice braking test Tires to be tested were attached to a vehicle, and abrupt braking was performed (to a locked state) while a vehicle was traveling on an icy test course at a speed of 20 Km/H. The distance from a point where braking was started to a point where the vehicle completely stopped was measured.
  • Block chipping test A test driver drove a vehicle on an asphalt-paved road at an average speed of 60 Km/H over a distance of 20,000 Km and the degree of block chipping was examined visually after the travel.
  • Wet performance test A test driver drove a vehicle on a wet road and evaluated the performance based on the feeling during the driving.
  • Driving stability test A test driver drove a vehicle on a dry road, and evaluated the stability based on the feeling during the driving.
  • Tire 1 of the present invention a studless pneumatic tire described in the sixteen embodiment (see FIGS. 23 - 26 ).
  • Comparative tire 6 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 in each of which a single sipe 140 is formed, as shown in FIG. 53 .
  • the rubber of the base layer 126 invades into the cap layer 130 in the central region of the block-shaped island portion 118 , as shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55 .
  • Comparative tire 7 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has two sipes 212 and 214 , as shown in FIG. 56 .
  • the sipe 212 extends from the first lateral end 118 A to the interface between the second edge region 124 adjacent to the second lateral end 118 B and the central region 122 .
  • the sipe 214 extends from the second lateral end 118 B to the interface between the first edge region 124 adjacent to the first lateral end 118 A and the central region 122 .
  • Comparative tire 8 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has three sipes 212 and 214 , as shown in FIG. 57 .
  • the sipe 214 is provided at the center of the island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire and extends from the second lateral end 118 B.
  • the sipes 212 are provided on both sides of the sipe 214 in the circumferential direction of the tire and extend from the first lateral end 118 A.
  • Comparative tire 9 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has the same sipes as those of Tire 1 . However, the tread of this tire has a single layer (cap layer only).
  • Comparative tire 10 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has the same sipes as those of Comparative tire 6 . However, the tread of this tire has a single layer (cap layer only).
  • Tire 1 and Comparative tire 6 - 10 have the same structure except the designs of their treads 112 (block-shaped island portions 118 ). Also, all the tires have identical dimensions. That is, the entire width W of each island portion 118 in the widthwise direction of the tire is 30 mm, and the length L of each island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire is 23 mm.
  • Each main groove 114 has a depth of 20 mm, and each lug groove 116 has a depth of 15 mm.
  • Each sipe 120 has a depth of 10 mm and a width of 0.5 mm.
  • the rubber of the cap layer 130 has a hardness of 60°, while the rubber of the base layer 126 has a hardness of 65° (JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), Spring Hardness (Type A)).
  • Tire 2 of the present invention a studless pneumatic tire described in the twenty-ninth embodiment (see FIG. 43 ).
  • Tire 3 of the present invention a studless pneumatic tire described in the thirty-fifth embodiment (see FIG. 49 ).
  • Comparative tire 11 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 in each of which two first sipes 212 and two second sipes 214 are alternately formed, as shown in FIG. 58 .
  • the rubber of the base layer 126 invades into the cap layer 130 in the central region of the block-shaped island portion 118 , as shown in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60 .
  • Comparative tire 12 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 in each of which three first sipes 212 and three second sipes 214 are alternately formed, as shown in FIG. 61 .
  • Comparative tire 13 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has the same sipes as those of Tire 3 . However, the tread of this tire has a single layer (cap layer only).
  • Comparative tire 14 a studless pneumatic tire having block-shaped island portions 118 each of which has the same sipes as those of Comparative tire 11 . However, the tread of this tire has a single layer (cap layer only).
  • Tire 2 and 3 and Comparative tire 11 - 14 have the same structure except the designs of their treads 112 (block-shaped island portions 118 ). Also, all the tires have identical dimensions. That is, an entire width W of each island portion 118 in the widthwise direction of the tire is 20 mm, and the length L of each island portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the tire is 25 mm.
  • Each main groove 114 has a depth of 10 mm, and each lug groove 116 has a depth of 10 mm.
  • Each sipe 120 has a depth of 7 mm and a width of 0.3 mm.
  • the rubber of the cap layer 130 has a hardness of 60°, while the rubber of the base layer 126 has a hardness of 65° (JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), Spring Hardness (Type A)).
  • Values representing braking performance are indexes which were obtained from the inverses of the measured distances using the value of Comparative tire 6 as a reference.
  • Values representing wet performance are indexes which were determined using the value of Comparative tire 6 as a reference. The greater the value, the higher the wet performance.
  • Values representing braking performance are indexes which were obtained from the inverses of the measured distances using the value of Comparative tire 11 as a reference.
  • Values representing wet performance are indexes which were determined using the value of Comparative tire 11 as a reference. The greater the value, the higher the wet performance.
  • Values representing driving stability are indexes which were determined using the value of Comparative tire 11 as a reference. The greater the value, the higher the driving stability.
  • the pneumatic tires according the sixteenth through thirty-eighth embodiments having the above-described structure can maintain the stiffness of the block-shaped island portions even when the edge component is increased. This enhances performance on icy surfaces while preventing block chipping and decrease of driving stability, which have been considered to be problems which would occur if the edge component is increased.
  • a studless pneumatic tire 110 has a cylindrical tread 112 extending between a pair of sidewalls (not shown). On the cylindrical tread 112 , there are formed a plurality of main grooves 114 extending in the circumferential direction and a plurality of lug grooves 116 extending in the axial direction of the tire, so that a plurality of block-shaped island portions 118 are formed in a divided manner.
  • Each bock-shaped island portion 118 has lateral sipes 220 extending in the widthwise direction of the tire.
  • FIG. 63 shows a plan view of an island portion 118 .
  • the island portion 118 has a pair of lateral sipes 220 .
  • One end of each lateral sipe 220 is opened to a main groove 114 while the other end thereof terminates within the island portion 118 .
  • each lateral sipe 220 in the present embodiment is of a one-end open type.
  • Each sipe 220 has bent portions at four positions along the widthwise direction of the island portion 118 (longitudinal direction of each lateral sipe 220 ). Therefore, each lateral sipe 220 has a zigzag shape as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the island portion 118 .
  • FIG. 64 shows a cross-sectional shape of the lateral sipes 220 .
  • each lateral sipe 220 consists of a base portion 220 A which has an elongated rectangular cross section, and a bottom portion 220 B which is formed continuously with the base portion 220 A and has a flask-shaped cross section.
  • FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of a depression 226 which is provided in the mold 224 for vulcanizing molding and which is used to form each island portion 118 .
  • the depression 226 for forming the island portion 118 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a pair of thin plate-like blades 228 for forming the lateral sipes 220 are disposed within the depression 226 .
  • One of the blades 228 is fixed to one side wall 226 A and to the bottom wall 226 B of the depression 226
  • the other of the blades 228 is fixed to the other side wall 226 C and to the bottom wall 226 B of the depression 226 .
  • Unillustrated vents for air release are formed in the bottom wall 226 B of the depression 226 .
  • FIG. 66 shows a single blade 228 .
  • the blade 228 is composed of a base portion 228 A having a plate-like shape, and a flask-shaped portion 228 B.
  • the base portion 228 A and the flask-shaped portion 228 B have bent portions 230 at four positions along the widthwise direction of the depression 226 . Therefore, as viewed from above the depression 226 , the blade 280 has a zigzag shape. Accordingly, the blade 228 has a higher stiffness compared to a straight blade.
  • the area for supporting the blade 228 within the depression is larger than that in the case of using a straight blade, even though only one longitudinal end of the blade 228 is fixed to the inner surface of the depression 226 . Accordingly, the blade 228 can be supported within the depression 226 with an increased stiffness.
  • the above-described island portion 118 has a length of 23 mm and a width of 30 mm.
  • Each sipe has a width of 0.5 mm and a depth of 10 mm.
  • the bottom portion 220 B of each sipe has a diameter of 2 mm.
  • Each main groove 114 has a depth of 20 mm, and each lug groove 116 has a depth of 15 mm.
  • the tire size is11R22.5.
  • unvulcanized raw rubber is charged into the mold 224 for vulcanizing molding, and a pressure is applied to the raw rubber by means of an unillustrated bladder disposed within the rubber.
  • the raw rubber flows into each depression 226 . Air within the depression 226 is released to the atmosphere through the unillustrated vents, so that the raw rubber fills the corners of the depression 226 , thereby contacting closely the inner surface of the mold.
  • the raw rubber (i.e., raw tire) within the mold 224 is vulcanized at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.
  • a studless pneumatic tire 110 is manufactured which is provided with lateral sipes 220 each having a zigzag shape and each having a flask-shaped bottom.
  • the stiffness of the blade 228 itself increases, and the stiffness in supporting the blade 228 within the depression 226 also increases. Therefore, even when the blade 228 is pressed by raw rubber during vulcanizing molding, the blade 228 is prevented from being deformed.
  • each lateral sipe 220 of each molded island portion 118 has a bottom portion 220 B having a flask-shaped cross section due to the flask-shaped portion 228 B of the blade 228 , the on-ice performance of the studless pneumatic tire 110 can be maintained at a satisfactory level.
  • the lateral sipe 220 has a plurality of bent portions 222 , water draining performance decreases due to contact of the edge portions. Therefore, on icy road surfaces, there is a possibility that the frictional coefficient ⁇ of the tire decreases with a consequent decrease in the on-ice performance.
  • this problem is solved by the bottom portion 228 B having a flask-shaped cross section, which enhances the water draining performance.
  • the frictional coefficient ⁇ on icy road surfaces can be increased to maintain good on-ice performance.
  • the bottom portion 220 B of the lateral sipe 220 has a flask-shaped cross section, stress acting on the bottom portion 220 B can be dispersed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent generation of cracks in the bottom portion 220 B.
  • each lateral sipe 220 is of a one-end open type, in which one end of the lateral sipe 220 is opened to a main groove 114 adjacent to the island portion 118 and the other end terminates within the island portion 118 , the stiffness of the island portion 118 can be increased more than in the case where the lateral sipe 220 is of a both-end open type, i.e., an open sipe. This enhances both wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability.
  • Comparative tire 15 (a studless pneumatic tire provided with block-shaped island portions 234 each having straight lateral sipes 232 whose bottoms do not have a flask-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG. 67) and a mold (not shown) for manufacturing Comparative tire 15 ; and
  • Comparative tire 16 (a studless pneumatic tire provided with block-shaped island portions 238 each having zigzagged lateral sipes 236 whose bottoms do not have a flask-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG. 68) and a mold (not shown) for manufacturing Comparative tire 16 .
  • the on-ice braking test was performed as follows. Tires to be tested were attached to a vehicle, and abrupt braking was performed (to a locked state) while a vehicle was traveling on an icy test course at a speed of 20 Km/H. The distance from a point where braking was started to a point where the vehicle completely stopped was measured. The inverse of the measured distance is shown in Table 7 as an index representing on-ice braking performance.
  • Comparative tire 15 provided with straight lateral sipes 232 which did not have bent portions and whose cross sections at the bottom were not flask-shaped, bending of the blades occurred although the on-ice braking performance was good.
  • Comparative tire 16 provided with lateral sipes 236 which had bent portions but whose cross sections at the bottom were not flask-shaped, the on-ice braking performance degraded although bending of blades did not occur.
  • the tire according to the present embodiment provided with zigzagged lateral sipes which had bent portions and which have a flask-shaped cross section at the bottom thereof, the on-ice braking performance was good and bending of blades did not occur.
  • a block-shaped island portion 240 according to the present embodiment has a pair of hook-shaped modified sipes 242 which are arranged alternately.
  • Each sipe 242 has only one bent portion 244 .
  • Each of the bottom portion 242 A and the inner end 242 B of each sipe 242 has a flask-shaped cross section.
  • FIG. 69A shows a perspective view of a blade 246 used for forming the above-described hook-shaped sipes 242 .
  • the blade 246 is formed into a hook-like shape having one bent portion 248 .
  • a columnar flask-shaped portion 246 B is provided at the lower edge of the base portion 246 A of the blade 246 and is also provided at the free edge of the bent portion 248 of the blade 246 .
  • each hook-shaped lateral sipe 242 is of a one-end open type, the stiffness of the island portion 240 can be increased more than in the case where the lateral sipe 242 is of a both-end open type. This enhances both wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability.
  • the columnar flask-shaped portion 246 B is provided not only at the lower edge of the base portion 246 A of the blade 246 but also at the free edge of the bent portion 248 of the blade 246 . Accordingly, the inner end 242 B of each hook-shaped sipe 242 has a flask-shaped cross section. This prevents generation of cracks at the inner end 242 B. Therefore, generation of cracks can be prevented more effectively through the synergy between the effect of preventing cracks at the inner end 242 B of the sipe 242 and the effect of preventing generation of cracks at the bottom portion 242 A of the sipe 242 .
  • a forty-first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 70A and 70B.
  • a block-shaped island portion 250 according to the present embodiment has a pair of hook-shaped modified sipes 252 which are arranged alternately.
  • Each sipe 252 has three bent portions 254 .
  • the bottom portion 252 A of each sipe 252 has a flask-shaped cross section.
  • FIG. 70A shows a perspective view of a blade 256 used for forming the above-described hook-shaped sipes 252 .
  • the blade 256 is formed into a hook-like shape having three bent portions 258 .
  • a columnar flask-shaped portion 256 B is provided at the lower edge of the base portion 256 A of the blade 256 .
  • each hook-shaped modified sipe 252 is of a one-end open type, the stiffness of the island portion 250 can be increased more than in the case where the sipe 252 is of a both-end open type. This enhances both wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability.
  • a forty-second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 71A and 71B.
  • a block-shaped island portion 260 according to the present embodiment has a pair of tuning fork-shaped modified sipes 262 which are oriented in opposite directions and which are arranged alterately.
  • Each sipe 262 has three bent portions 264 .
  • the bottom portion 262 A of each sipe 262 has a flask-shaped cross section.
  • FIG. 71A shows a perspective view of a blade 266 used for forming the above-described hook-shaped sipes 262 .
  • the blade 266 is formed into a tuning fork-like shape having three bent portions 268 .
  • a columnar flask-shaped portion 266 B is provided at the lower edge of the base portion 266 A of the blade 266 .
  • each tuning fork-shaped sipe 262 is of a one-end open type, the stiffness of the island portion 260 can be increased more than the case where the sipe 262 is of a both-end open type. This enhances wear resistance against partial wear and dry driving stability.
  • each blade is supported by the depression through three sides thereof other than the top side.
  • each blade has at least one bent portion, i.e., each sipe has at least one bent portion.
  • the flask-shaped portion extends along the bent shape of the blade and is integrally formed therewith.
  • the flask-shaped portion may be divided at bent portions.
  • a hook-shaped blade 270 shown in FIG. 72 has three bent portions, and a plurality of divided portions of the columnar flask-shaped portions 270 B are provided at the lower end of the base portion 270 A of the blade 270 .
  • the flask-shaped portions 270 B are divided at the bent portions 272 , and each divided portion of the flask-shaped portion 270 B is formed in a straight shape.
  • each longitudinal end of each divided portion of the flask-shaped portion 270 B has a semi-sphere shape for point contact between adjacent divided portions.
  • each longitudinal end of each divided portion may be cut to have a slant surface corresponding to the bent angle at the corresponding end, thereby improving the continuity.
  • a structure may be employed in which each longitudinal end of each divided portion of the flask-shaped portion has semi-sphere longitudinal ends and the clearance between adjacent ends is filled by welding.
  • the mold for vulcanizing molding according to the thirty-ninth through forty-second embodiments can prevent the blades from bending during the process of vulcanizing molding.
  • pneumatic tires manufactured using the mold can provide excellent on-ice performance.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Tyre Moulding (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
US08/654,976 1995-06-08 1996-05-28 Studless pneumatic tire including block-shaped island portions each having sipes Expired - Lifetime US6408911B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP14220495A JP3576636B2 (ja) 1995-06-08 1995-06-08 スタッドレス空気入りタイヤ
JP7-142204 1995-06-08
JP7-142205 1995-06-08
JP14220595A JP3576637B2 (ja) 1995-06-08 1995-06-08 スタッドレス空気入りタイヤ
JP7-250998 1995-09-28
JP7250998A JPH0994828A (ja) 1995-09-28 1995-09-28 加硫成形モールド及びこれを用いて製造された空気入 りタイヤ
JP29710195A JP3522922B2 (ja) 1995-11-15 1995-11-15 スタッドレス空気入りタイヤ
JP7-297101 1995-11-15

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EP (3) EP0914975B1 (no)
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US20060088618A1 (en) * 2000-11-13 2006-04-27 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Tire tread and molding element for a mould for such a tread
US20060144491A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-06 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Device for molding a keyhole sipe in a tire tread
US20070084534A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-19 Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, Llc Reinforced blade for use in a vulcanization mold to form a sipe in a tire
US20080302457A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, Llc Tread blocks having reduced edge stiffness
US20090301620A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2009-12-10 Bridgestone Corporation Tyre
US20100059156A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-11 Cambron Anne-France Gabrielle Pneumatic tire
US20110284141A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-24 Continental Tire North America, Inc. Rotating Sipe
US20130101802A1 (en) * 2010-01-29 2013-04-25 Bridgestone Bandag, Llc Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing
US20130133799A1 (en) * 2011-11-28 2013-05-30 The Yorkohama Rubber Co., LTD. Pneumatic Tire
US20140348968A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2014-11-27 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US20150053320A1 (en) * 2013-08-20 2015-02-26 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Pneumatic tire tread with sipes and mold blade
US20150104533A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2015-04-16 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US9616716B2 (en) 2011-12-14 2017-04-11 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc Three dimensional sipe
FR3050402A1 (fr) * 2016-04-22 2017-10-27 Michelin & Cie Bande de roulement de pneu comprenant des decoupures de differentes profondeurs
US9840052B2 (en) * 2013-12-17 2017-12-12 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element having cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
EP3415344A1 (de) * 2017-06-15 2018-12-19 Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH Fahrzeugluftreifen
US10279554B2 (en) * 2017-07-18 2019-05-07 Toyo Tire Corporation Tire cure metal mold
US10315339B2 (en) * 2015-06-11 2019-06-11 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Set of molding elements and mold
US20210086563A1 (en) * 2017-07-27 2021-03-25 The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Pneumatic Tire
US11090888B2 (en) * 2017-11-30 2021-08-17 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising a particular assembly means
US11179906B2 (en) * 2017-02-28 2021-11-23 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Set of molding elements for tire mold
US11345104B2 (en) * 2018-05-25 2022-05-31 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Assembly of molding elements
US11345103B2 (en) * 2017-12-18 2022-05-31 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Sipe blade assembly
EP3984769A4 (en) * 2019-06-14 2023-07-05 Bridgestone Corporation TIRE
US11738601B2 (en) * 2017-07-25 2023-08-29 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Tire with tread comprising an evolving tread pattern with sipes

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DE19700101A1 (de) * 1997-01-03 1998-07-09 Pirelli Reifenwerke Laufflächenprofil für einen Fahrzeugreifen
USD432962S (en) 1999-07-26 2000-10-31 Michelin Recherche Et Technique Sa Tread of a tire
USD432959S (en) 1999-07-26 2000-10-31 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Tread of a tire
DE10352145A1 (de) * 2003-11-04 2005-06-09 Continental Aktiengesellschaft Fahrzeugluftreifen
BR112018015736B1 (pt) 2016-02-09 2022-06-07 Pirelli Tyre S.P.A. Pneu para rodas de veículo
JP2019104415A (ja) * 2017-12-13 2019-06-27 Ｔｏｙｏ Ｔｉｒｅ株式会社 空気入りタイヤ
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US7530802B2 (en) * 2000-11-13 2009-05-12 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Molding element for a mould for molding a cutout in a tire tread
US20060088618A1 (en) * 2000-11-13 2006-04-27 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Tire tread and molding element for a mould for such a tread
US20060144491A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-06 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Device for molding a keyhole sipe in a tire tread
US7661942B2 (en) 2004-12-30 2010-02-16 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Device for molding a keyhole sipe in a tire tread
US7779876B2 (en) 2005-10-19 2010-08-24 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc Reinforced blade for use in a vulcanization mold to form a sipe in a tire
US20070084534A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-19 Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, Llc Reinforced blade for use in a vulcanization mold to form a sipe in a tire
EP1937496B1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2016-06-22 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC A reinforced blade for use in a vulcanization mold to form a sipe in a tire
US20090301620A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2009-12-10 Bridgestone Corporation Tyre
CN101395016B (zh) * 2006-02-28 2010-11-17 株式会社普利司通 轮胎
US8967212B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2015-03-03 Bridgestone Corporation Tire with tread including blocks and sipes
US20080302457A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, Llc Tread blocks having reduced edge stiffness
US7950426B2 (en) 2007-06-08 2011-05-31 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc Tread blocks having reduced edge stiffness
US20100059156A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-11 Cambron Anne-France Gabrielle Pneumatic tire
US8820375B2 (en) * 2010-01-29 2014-09-02 Bridgestone Bandag, Llc Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing
US20130101802A1 (en) * 2010-01-29 2013-04-25 Bridgestone Bandag, Llc Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing
US20110284141A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-24 Continental Tire North America, Inc. Rotating Sipe
US20130133799A1 (en) * 2011-11-28 2013-05-30 The Yorkohama Rubber Co., LTD. Pneumatic Tire
US9539863B2 (en) * 2011-11-28 2017-01-10 The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Pneumatic tire
US9616716B2 (en) 2011-12-14 2017-04-11 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc Three dimensional sipe
US9149995B2 (en) * 2011-12-16 2015-10-06 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US9126377B2 (en) * 2011-12-16 2015-09-08 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US20150104533A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2015-04-16 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US20140348968A1 (en) * 2011-12-16 2014-11-27 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US9463672B2 (en) * 2013-08-20 2016-10-11 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Pneumatic tire tread with sipes and mold blade
US20150053320A1 (en) * 2013-08-20 2015-02-26 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Pneumatic tire tread with sipes and mold blade
US9840052B2 (en) * 2013-12-17 2017-12-12 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element having cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
US10315339B2 (en) * 2015-06-11 2019-06-11 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Set of molding elements and mold
FR3050402A1 (fr) * 2016-04-22 2017-10-27 Michelin & Cie Bande de roulement de pneu comprenant des decoupures de differentes profondeurs
US11110751B2 (en) 2016-04-22 2021-09-07 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Tire tread comprising cutouts of different depths
US11179906B2 (en) * 2017-02-28 2021-11-23 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Set of molding elements for tire mold
EP3415344A1 (de) * 2017-06-15 2018-12-19 Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH Fahrzeugluftreifen
US10279554B2 (en) * 2017-07-18 2019-05-07 Toyo Tire Corporation Tire cure metal mold
US11738601B2 (en) * 2017-07-25 2023-08-29 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Tire with tread comprising an evolving tread pattern with sipes
US20210086563A1 (en) * 2017-07-27 2021-03-25 The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Pneumatic Tire
US11932057B2 (en) * 2017-07-27 2024-03-19 The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Pneumatic tire
US11090888B2 (en) * 2017-11-30 2021-08-17 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Molding element comprising a particular assembly means
US11345103B2 (en) * 2017-12-18 2022-05-31 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Sipe blade assembly
US11345104B2 (en) * 2018-05-25 2022-05-31 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin Assembly of molding elements
EP3984769A4 (en) * 2019-06-14 2023-07-05 Bridgestone Corporation TIRE
US11926176B2 (en) 2019-06-14 2024-03-12 Bridgestone Corporation Pneumatic tire

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DE69609454T2 (de) 2000-12-14
NO20016363D0 (no) 2001-12-27
DE69609454D1 (de) 2000-08-31
NO20016362L (no) 1996-12-09
NO304504B1 (no) 1999-01-04
EP0747242A1 (en) 1996-12-11
DE69630241T2 (de) 2004-05-06
NO314347B1 (no) 2003-03-10
NO20016360D0 (no) 2001-12-27
EP0747242B1 (en) 2000-07-26
EP0914974A2 (en) 1999-05-12
EP0914975A2 (en) 1999-05-12
DE69630241D1 (de) 2003-11-06
NO315228B1 (no) 2003-08-04
NO20016363L (no) 1996-12-09
NO20016362D0 (no) 2001-12-27
NO20016360L (no) 1996-12-09
DE69632923D1 (de) 2004-08-19
EP0914975A3 (en) 1999-07-28
NO985506L (no) 1996-12-09
NO962275D0 (no) 1996-06-03
DE69632923T2 (de) 2005-07-28
EP0914974B1 (en) 2003-10-01
EP0914975B1 (en) 2004-07-14
NO985506D0 (no) 1998-11-26
EP0914974A3 (en) 1999-07-28
NO314173B1 (no) 2003-02-10
NO962275L (no) 1996-12-09
NO312184B1 (no) 2002-04-08

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